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>>Peter: Um, Sarah, why are we here in the forest at night?
>>>>Sarah: Peter you asked me at class today to explain Reformed Druidism to you, and it
helps me to be outdoors. Before we start, I would like to welcome our audience and thank
them for joining us.
>>>>Peter: Why the spooky graveyard and animated cartoon people?
>>>>Sarah: It's the only background with trees that we could find for free so far for this
first ten minutes animated introduction. It also is easier and quicker to edit these little
lectures with a wide variety of characters. It's also fun to make! oh! Please, ignore
the skeleton and graves, we'll talk about those, in a later conversation about Halloweeen
and the seasons.
>>>>Peter: Okay, let's begin with an easy question. What is the Reformed Druidism?
>>Sarah: Basically, Reformed Druidism is kind of like an odd mixture of the Unitarians and
the Free-masons. We meet outdoors, because Nature provides a neutral backdrop and lots
of inspiration for our activities. The ancient Druids were spiritual leaders, artists and
judges found in the Irish, Welsh and Gawlish societies of the Keltic people of Europe,
and often met outdoors for their services, and were persecuted first by the Pagan Romans
and then later by the Christian Romans. They have been gone for a long time. We honor their
struggle, and we have a keltic style to our terminology and services. We are not very
organized. We don't think we are perfect or the best system? We like a shot of Whiskey
now and then. We have a sense of humor about our group, and love campfires. DId I mention
that we appreciate trees on a much deeper level than most people? That's us in a nutshell.
>>Peter: There's a lot of information packed in that nutshell. Could you explain what type
of religion it is? Is it Christian, Pagan, New Age, what do you believe?
>>Sarah: That's a whole lesson by itself. All of the above and none of the above on
one level.
>>Peter: Okay, just a quick summary then.
>>Sarah: First of all, we allow our members to choose for themselves how to define their
Druidical practice. THey can call it a philosophy or a religion. Our approach is inter-faith
and open to all. Given our diversity, we ask members to respect the differences between
us. Our members come from a great variety of religious and philosophical backgrounds.
Many members continue to belong to mainstream religions. Some only practice Reformed Druidism.
Some go back and forth in their focus of activity. That's all fine with us. We enjoy their company
while they are with us, and we learn alot about different faiths as a result.
>>Peter: So if you are so eclectic, then what defines you?
>>Sarah: In a way, we are defined perhaps better by what we don't do, which my friend,
Andrea, will discuss in a later segment called, "More is Less". We do have a few simple standard
statements, a loose calendar of outdoor festivals for the changing seasons. There is a flexible
liturgy that has few statements of belief, but can add songs, meditations or stories
that people bring to share. The Reformed Druids have a simple hierarchy that tries to keep
their egos under control. Anyone with a calling to set up meetings can become a leader, regardless
of their beliefs, they need just a desire to help others from different outlooks to
include lessons from Nature. Over the last 50 years, we've compiled a lot of writings
by such members that are fun to read, but those books are not divinely inspired. Yes,
we sometimes like to wear strange clothes at a festival in a park, forest, mountain
spring or meadow. That's about it. I guess all religions have a few odd things when you
first hear about them.
>>Peter: You said that it doesn't matter too much my background or affiliation? I really
don't have to "convert" then?
>>Sarah: Your background probably matters to you, and has much to keep offering to you.
We're just not interested in conversion or evangelism. You shouldn't abandon your past
or present activity with another group on our account. Nature is important to every
spiritual pathway, but few faiths have accepted that in modern congregations. Perhaps, we
might provide a helfpuful piece of the puzzle for you.
>>Peter: Will my religion be angry or upset if I dabble in Druidism with you?
>>Sarah: Depends on the group. Think about it for a few days or weeks and see if you
can find a way to incorporate our activity with yours. It’s not always easy to do so.
Some groups are really insular. We think folks from any background can participate and benefit
from interaction with us. Our activities are rather similar to how people practice Zen,
yoga, Tai Chi, do tarot cards, participate in seances, read shapes in clouds or stars,
and other spiritual practices. Most people do that without ascribing to the religious
tenets of the group that invented such activities. Quite a few Reformed Druids don't agree, study
or follow what little is known about the original beliefs of the Ancient Druids, which is why
we call ourselves "Reformed" Druids. As a parallel, consider the striking differences
between Reformed Jews and Orthodox Jews. If it is helpful or interesting, try it out.
If not, no problem.
>>Peter: So if Reformed Druids don't follow all practices of the Ancient Druids, do you
have human and animal sacrifices?
>>Sarah: Of course not! That's the first thing we dropped. A lot of ancient and modern religions
have justified harm to humans due to superstitions, evangelism or the pursuit of power in this
world. We just have no intention of hurting people, forcing them to do things, controlling
their lives, or generally making folks miserable. That doesn't seem like a good use of religion.
Animals and people deserve compassionate care and loving, and the legal codes of our country
also need to be respected. We're not all pacifists, vegetarians or do-gooders, but blood sacrifice
is a horrible thing to do. As an extension of compassion, many Druids also take care
not to harm plants or ecosystems without a very good reason. Yes, some of us indeed are
tree huggers who think the trees hug back or can teach us a thing or two. Few Druids
are completely oblivious to the environmental situation, but we differ on how to respond
on a personal level, and that goes into politics, which we shy away from.
>>Peter: Is Druidism a cult?
>>Sarah: There are lots of types of Druidism out there today, but all the modern forms
that I have explored seem benign and harmless, especially the large ones; like "A Druid Fellowship"
(A.D.F.), the Henge of Keltria, or the Order of Bards Ovates and Druids (O.B.O.D.). Now,
we, the Reformed Druids, began way back in 1963, and we are probably the oldest group,
but the least organized. That suits our interests. Other Druid groups have adopted many of the
sensible structures and rules to meet the legal and complicated needs of an incorporated
religion, just like the large monotheistic faiths. We haven't done that, we are still
at a very basic level and the others have moved on past us. A.D.F. and Keltria are our
distant offshoots from the 1980s. We wish them well, but remain true to our own format.
We keep it very simple, because that makes us accessible to people of many backgrounds,
who can build their own systems upon our foundation.
>>Peter: So you might be strange, but not a cult, right?
>>Sarah: Correct. Cults are usually small groups that have strong charismatic leaders
who take advantage of their followers in many unethical or illegal ways, usually by isolating
them, indoctrinating them, and requiring a lot of forced activities and beliefs to break
down their will and opinions. We are not a cult, just a group of people who meet outdoors,
yes, that's unusual. We talk freely about Nature, life, and religions. Sometimes we
have a glass of whiskey, sing a song or two, share some stories that we dig up, and have
a laugh. At most, we meet every month or two.
>>Peter: What if I disagree with something someone says at a meeting?
>>Sarah: Then you disagree. No one will be shocked or upset, and it will likely spark
an interesting conversation or even a debate. Again, you don't have to agree with what others
say, just be respectful of their opinion and speak honestly and tactfully about your thoughts.
Basic manners, really. One of our sayings goes that, if you ask 2 Druids about something,
you'll usually come away with at least 3 opinions. What you do or don't do beyond this level
of activity, at home or with other groups, is really up to you, and you don't have to
tell us about it. Come when you want, leave when you want. We like it that way. Some people
like more organization and being spoon fed what to believe, so they will probably be
disappointed with our group.
>>Peter: So I can try it out for a while and come and go as I will?
>>Sarah: Sure, I wonder why don't all faiths allow that?
>>Peter: Beats me, perhaps they are afraid folks won't come back unless they threaten
them, or maybe they are afraid other groups might have something to offer folks.
>>Sarah: Hmmm. You see, there's a very good thought that could spark a lot of good dialogue
and cross-faith discussion! Unfortunately we're running out of time in this first segment,
and this graveyard is creeping me out. Why don't we switch to a more sunny location and
meet tomorrow?
>>Peter: What are we going to talk about next time?
>>Sarah: After some coffee, I'll outline our basic two tenets of belief. Two short statements
that sum up our official beliefs. It won't take more than a few minutes, actually, they
are really that easy. Then, I'll expalin what resources people use to talk or meet others,
and I'll tell you how people join, what to expect at a service, the history of the Reformed
Druids, and how we train folks to run local chapters of the group,that is, if they feel
that vocation calling them.
>>Peter: Sounds good, see you then. Bye.
>>Sarah: Sure thing, and watch out for the zombies over there, what a silly choice our
animator picked for this discussion. I also want a longer dress.
>>Peter: Yeah, and I would like glasses and a haircut.
>>Sarah: See you tomorrow!